Where Soft Light Shines Darkness Fades From Tired Hearts by Evan Holt Crane 461
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Finished
Third Person’s POV
Howard’s face was as hard as iron. “You’re working this hard for a reason–fame, money, status. With fifteen percent of our stock, Silverlight would instantly become a top–tier power in L.A. You should think about that before you walk away.”
Trista let out a cold laugh. “Of course I want success. But I have standards.”
She leaned in, her voice dropping into a lethal, measured warning. “As long as it involves the Ironthorns, I’m staying as far away as possible for the rest of my life.”
Howard stood up, his legs buckling for a second before an omega caught him.
“Forcing Cassian to break that bond with you,” Howard said, looking like he’d aged ten years in a single heartbeat, “was the biggest mistake of my life.”
Trista stood her ground, watching Howard’s hunched back disappear.
Right or wrong didn’t matter anymore; in the laws of the wolves, a shattered bond stays shattered.
Executive Suite, Simmons Group HQ.
Humphrey was pulled into a corner by two of his trusted associates. “The personnel changes lately are insane,” one whispered. “What’s going on? Is something happening?”
Humphrey kept his mouth shut and shook his head.
Lately, every time he looked at Cassian, he felt like Cassian was about to collapse right on his throne.
Inside the office, Wynn was challenging Cassian over a list of names. “Cassian, the VP still has ten years before retirement. Why are you promoting new blood now to strip him of his power?”
Cassian kept his head down, flipping through files as he patiently explained, “If we don’t inject new blood regularly, the old guard gets lazy. Ironthorn doesn’t need parasites who’ve lost their edge.”
Humphrey handed two core project files to Wynn.
She opened the proposals and her frown deepened. “Cassian, you talked to Dad about this project before The initial investment is massive and the ROI takes years. Why are we greenlighting this now?”
Cassian hid the storm of emotions in his eyes. “I’ve restructured the framework. This guarantees Ironthorn’s core revenue for the next ten years. Take it and study it.”
The unease in Wynn’s chest was growing.
She walked around the massive desk, standing directly in front of him. “Tell me the truth, Cassian. Is this about Trista…?”
Earlier, Isolde had told her, “I don’t know Alpha Cassian’s ultimate goal, but I’ve signed a five–year contract to stay with Ironthorn as your personal assistant, Miss Simmons.”
12:10 pm
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Finished
After Isolde left, Wynn sat in the office for a long time, thinking.
Why would he personally recruit Isolde and lock her into a five–year, unbreakable contract?
Was he really arranging his affairs because his body was failing?
Panicked by her own thoughts, she threw herself into her work just to stay busy.
At noon, Fred showed up with food.
He found Wynn passed out at her desk.
He picked her up gently to move her to the sofa, but the movement woke her.
Seeing Fred, Wynn leaned into him and closed her eyes. “Fred, give me five minutes. Don’t leave.”
Fred held her close, his heart aching. “Your brother is a monster, working you like this.”
He complained for a minute, but when he looked down, she was already back out.
He didn’t hide the affection in his eyes as he stole a quick kiss, whispering, “You’re finally growing up, even if you’re still a bit slow on the uptake.”
He laid her down, took off her heels, and covered her with his jacket.
Then, he rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning up the office, which looked like a disaster zone.
Once he was done, he muted Wynn’s phone and went to find Cassian.
Cassian was standing alone by the floor–to–ceiling window, lost in thought.
He was in a white dress shirt and black trousers, his sleeves held up by black garters. His silhouette was long and lean, but it radiated exhaustion and loneliness.
Fred walked up and snatched the ashtray from the ledge. “Is Ironthorn out of talent? Do you really have to force a young girl to become a corporate shark overnight?”
Cassian glanced at him. “If you’re so worried, come help her.”
Fred snorted. “You want the heir of my pack to come play intern for Ironthorn? Dream on”
“Your brother is running your pack,” Cassian said calmly. “There’s no room for you there anyway. Come here, and I’ll give you a real opportunity.”
Fred’s expression turned serious. “Wynn is twenty–four. You’ve got her working at this intensity, she won’t even have time to date. What then?”
Cassian looked out over the L.A. skyline. “If you don’t have the guts to mate with her, stay out of it.”
The comment hit a nerve. Fred fired back instantly. “Oh, and you did? You had the bond and you still couldn’t keep her.”
12:10 pm
Finished
Fred twisted the knife. “If you’re so tough, stop throwing up blood. Stop the pain. Stop crying. Go get Trista to forgive you if you’re such a master of the game.”
The color drained from Cassian’s face. Fred immediately realized he’d gone too far. “Look… I’m kidding. Don’t take it to heart.”
He made a mental note: from now on, he’d have to be twice as careful with what he said.
4.6K
12:10 pm
The Heartbroken Luna’s Choice: Banish Love
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.